Shares of Axsome Therapeutics Inc.
AXSM, -1.92%
surged about 24% premarket Monday, after the biotech, which specializes in therapies for central nervous system disorders, reported positive results in an interim analysis of a trial of a treatment for the agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease. An independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) recommended continuing the Phase 1/2 trial of AXS-05 and did not indicate any safety concerns. The company intends to follow the committee's recommendation. "We anticipate that implementation of the IDMC's recommendations may provide greater flexibility to our operating plans and timelines which we will evaluate in the coming weeks," Chief Executive Herriot Tabuteau said in a statement. Roughly 70% of Alzheimer's patients suffer from agitation, which can be highly upsetting for patients and caregivers. There is currently no approved treatment for the condition. Axsome shares have fallen 47% in 2018, while the S&P 500
SPX, +1.32%
has fallen 1.5%.

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